The MBA Project may be one of two forms: (1) a client-based project. This involves the comprehensive description and evaluation of a profit-seeking or nonprofit, large or small, entrepreneurial or mature, service or manufacturing, domestic or international organization, together with appropriate recommendations for improved performance, or (2) a new business plan. The main purpose of the project is for students to develop a thorough understanding of the environment, markets, technology and operations of a real organization (or, in the case of a new business plan, a proposed organization). Students apply and integrate knowledge and skills acquired through the MBA curriculum and further develop their skills in the area of strategy, and working productively in a team. Students are expected to work in groups of 4 to 6 on this project.

The learning objectives for the new business plan project are the same as for a client-based project. The new business plan is equally as "real" as a client based project.

Students taking the MBA project will gain a first-class learning experience to complement and extend classroom learning. The MBA Project becomes a laboratory for applying ideas, tools, and concepts to real-world problems. It is an exercise in managing task-focused relationships among team members, client managers, and the faculty supervisors. It gives students a chance to define issues, gather relevant data from a variety of sources, do insightful analysis, and develop creative solutions. It also provides opportunities to learn about a company, an industry, and/or a field of management that is of long-term interest to the members of the project team.